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Money for sheriff’s department, jails approved by Quorum Court

By Ray King

OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

With no dissent Monday night, the Jefferson County Quorum Court approved an ordinance to add money to the maintenance and operations budgets of the sheriff’s department, adult jail and juvenile detention center.

The ordinance will transfer $337,000 from various funds to the jails and sheriff’s department, and Sheriff Gerald Robinson said no additional money will be needed from county general because the money will come from funds set aside for employee salaries and benefits.

Robinson cited the increasing costs of fuel for the sheriff’s department, as well as repairs and upgrades made to the jails to keep the jails in compliance with state standards and with the Health Department.

A proposed ordinance to cover the costs of the November general election and expected run-offs was also approved.

That ordinance was for $160,000 and Election Coordinator Will Fox said the requested funds should carry the election commission through the end of the year.

Also approved was a $70,000 appropriation for the county recycling department to pay for repairs to recycling equipment and sharpening the blades on three tire shredders. No funds from county general were involved in the appropriation.

Finally, the county’s legislative body approved a $10,000 appropriation ordinance from county general for the J.P. Levying Court to cover expenses through the end of the year. The money will be used to pay the costs associated with the publication of ordinances, and to pay mileage for members of the Quorum Court.